BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (KSNW) — An Arkansas couple are accused of trying to sell their baby for a six-pack of beer and a $1,000 cashier’s check.
Our sister station KNWA/KFTA reports that Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, are facing charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to negotiate the relinquishment of a minor for adoption. The couple were arrested on Sept. 21.
A witness told investigators that Urban and Ehlers wrote a letter granting custody of their baby to another person in exchange for money. The letter signed by the pair included a disclaimer stating, “There will be no changing y’all two’s minds and to never contact again.”
Another witness said a man offered to take the baby from the couple for the night for a six-pack of beer. Later, the couple signed the document and were reportedly promised a $1,000 check that would be delivered the following Monday.
Another witness noticed the baby had severe diaper rash, blisters, and swelling when they changed the 2-month-old’s soil diaper. They took photos to document the injuries that they turned over to investigators.
EMS took the baby to a children’s hospital for treatment and evaluation. The couple were arrested and formally charged earlier this week.
Urban has bonded out of jail, while Ehlers remains jailed on a $30,000 bond. A trial date is pending.
The couple have been appointed public defenders.
